Self-Doubt

We can all agree that the actions taken by the security guard who shot at a gunman in a Panama City, FL school last week were heroic.  Those who watched the video have little doubt that the shooter would have shot and killed the board members at the school if he wasn't stopped by the security officer Mike Jones.

What few saw was the interview with Mr. Jones after the fact where he stated that he began crying after the fact because he was sure he will go to jail for shooting the suspect.  Officer Jones, a former police officer, went on to tell his wife that he was convinced he will be arrested for shooting the suspect.

Why is that?  How come a former police officer and a present security guard, who carries a gun for the sole purpose of using it when the time comes, doubts his actions?  Actions, that by all other accounts are considered justifiable.

If there was ever a testament to the twisted way we treat those who protect us, this is it.  There is no reason for a peace officer to ever doubt his use of lethal force, especially when executed to defend those he swore to protect.

But this sentiment is unfortunately so ingrained and rooted in the psyche of our police officers today it is sickening.  The fact that police administrators water down training programs, decreasing defensive tactics training hours in favor of academic lessons, is a testament to how paranoid everybody is.  So much so, that when the moment comes, is it any doubt most officers end up being killed because they second guessed their own actions, from the mere fear that they will be prosecuted by those they came to protect.

It is time to let police officers do their job: Police.  there is room and place for human rights, but there will be no room for human rights when society is gone to shit if police keeps being ran over, either by the criminal element or their own self-doubt.

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical

The legality of beating someone up

Without dwelling too much into the details of an ongoing investigation, I wanted to bring up the topic or using your skills on the street.
In recent weeks I have been approached by various entities, from legal professionals to the media, asking me to provide my opinion regarding whether or not injuring someone in the sake of self-defense is justified.

Needless to say there are many variables that go into play when determining Justified Use of Force.  And without full access to the information and evidence it is hard to draw a clear conclusion. That said, I wanted to make a few things clear:

• All of us train in self-defense, namely Israeli Combat System which is arguably the best self-protection system out there today.  And we do so hoping that we'll never have to use it, but if when and where the situation calls for it we can do it in a decisive manner and make sure we win that fight.
• The skills we learn and teach are designed to create maximum damage to any assailant in the most efficient way possible.  This is what makes us unique.  It is also what makes us liable so much more.
• When we do decide to use our skills to defend ourselves or those we love, we also take under consideration that our actions may be held against us in a criminal or civil law suit.

now, the purpose of this post is not to scare you.  Actually, the exact opposite.  All of you who train at Masada Tactical have one unique and extremely important advantage over those training elsewhere.  Our system has been taught to various law-enforcement agencies, and has withstood the test of the legal system.  Our instructors are considered expert witnesses, and we WILL provide our members with the legal backing in case any use-of-force situation winds out in court.

Lastly, it is imperative to note something we mention in classes often.  When $hit hits the fan, don't hesitate.  React, protect yourself and those you care about, and do it to the fullest extent of your skills and abilities, because at the end of the day I would rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.  And you can count on us, the instructors of Israeli Combat System, to have your back.

Stay safe!

BK
Masada Tactical
http://www.masadatactical.com/

Why we don't let civilians into our Law-Enforcement Seminars?

First of all, because it is called a Law-Enforcement Only seminar, Duh!  But more importantly is because we want to keep these individuals safe.

It is not that we don't trust our civilian membership, and after all, when it comes to skills, our members and our LE students get the same stuff.  Even when it comes to tactical classes, our civilian membership receives training in shooting, and other tactical disciplines.  However, there are a few elements to being a peace officer that a) can not be duplicated by civilians in class and it will make for a confusing situation, and b) we leave a little "ace in the pocket" for these warriors that we do not want to share with anyone else.  Why you ask? well here's why:  We get countless documented videos and transcripts of the criminal element, which after all has nothing but time, training to overcome any skill practiced by police officers.  These criminals train in how to bypass the retention mechanisms on police holsters for example, they train on how to defeat handcuffs, how to avoid Tasers from being effective, and of course, how to counter any self-defense technique the officers train in.

It is inevitable that what we teach would end up on the streets.  Our members share their knowledge with friends and family, elements of our system end on YouTube, Facebook, and other online sources, and at some point we just lose that control we had over who can see and learn our skills.  Now don't get us wrong, we love the fact that you like what you learns and feel compelled to share it with others.  But while we reserve the right to run background checks on our members (per your contracts), we can not do it on every single person that you come in touch with.

So...there are a few things, in terms of skills and tactical applications, that we reserve for these urban warriors who protect us from the outcasts of society.

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC
http://www.masadatactical.com/

MMA: Is it good for self-defense?

Probably one of the most argued topic out there today.  I know I personally had this discussion with many members, prospects, and even more so with police officers.  Let me state this right off the bat, I think MMA is a great sport, provides its practitioners with great skills, conditioning, and fun.  However, it lacks one major component: THE REAL WORLD.

This is the main issue, MMA is designed to be a sport.  It is designed to be fought in a ring, under rules, for a set length of time, and in a one-on-one combat.  Now, how often does that happen in real life?

Put any MMA in a fight on concrete, against multiple opponents, where groin strikes eye gauges and biting are allowed, and just for the fun of it throw a knife into the mix as well.  How do you think this MMA fighter will fare?

I will give you this, he'll probably do better than untrained individual, but when fighting any "bad-elements" out there who grew up learning to fight in the school of hard knocks, and he's chances of winning are slim.  Simply said, there is a disconnect between MMA and reality based fighting.

I like sharing this story: when I first went to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu my first request from the instructor, a very well known BJJ fighter, was to fight in the parking lot, in the elements.  I was met with a proplexed look and a long explanation on why it is unsafe.  I know it is unsafe. If I wanted safe I would have done Tai-Chi.  I form one, want to learn how to defend myself in the most real and disadvantageous of all situations.  I want to learn not only how to fight, but how to win, and how to do it under real aggravated situations.

What do you think?

BK / Masada Tactical
www.MasadaTactical.com

The Best Defense

Our members heard me say this many times before, I am a big proponent of preemptive attacks.  Offense is typically the best defense as it will stop any forth coming attack before it even starts.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying you should go out there and punch anyone who stands in your way.  What I do say, is that when those little hairs in the back of your neck rise, there is a very good chance something is wrong.  And if you feel things are going south fast, striking first may mean the difference between ending a fight quickly or ending in a dragged out fight for your life.

Perfect examples may be when you are being moved from a primary crime scene to a secondary one. Or when surrounded by more than one person and delivering a message to one, typically the leader, would cease all hostilities from that point on.

How do you know when the moment is right though, or what the right kind of preemptive attack should be?  Well, on December 19, 2010 Masada Tactical will be hosting a unique seminar titled "Animal Day".  Animal Day is all about that preemptive strike, about how to read people, and how to win a fight at all cost.  Join us on December 19 for this event.  Call or email BK to register (bk@masadatactical.com, 410-415-6015)

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC
www.MasadaTactical.com

Edged Weapons

Masada Tactical just finished hosting a 3 day Edged weapon instructors school for law-enforcement.  Three of our instructors are now certified to teach how to use knives (or other edged weapons) for defensive purposes. 
As we move forward and set up training sessions, we want to know:  Do you carry a knife on you?  If so, what kind?  How many knives do you carry?  And what is your intended use for it?

Let me start:  I do carry knives on me.  Typically 2-3.  My primary one is an SOG folder with a tanto blade.  My back-ups are a Hideawway Knife on a chain around my neck, and a S&W Police.  I carry them so I have a weapon no matter where I am, especially in the state of MD where handgun permits are so hard to come by.  I end up using my knives mostly to open envelopes, but when the moment will come you bet I will be ready.

Let me know your stories.

BK / Masada Tactical
http://www.masadatactical.com/

Special Hostage Situations Class, October 11, 2010

Twelve members came on Monday morning to learn some unique defenses against some very bad situations: knife held to the throat from front and rear, handgun to the back of the head, and handgun pointed at head while down on the ground.  This skills represent some of the highest risks possible and are rooted in true events.
Often times we are approached as experts in our field and are asked about unique situations and how to address those.  ICS evolves thanks to this type of questions.  As we are forced to think outside the box to come up with new solutions, while still maintaining the basic principals that make ICS the self-defense system of choice to many, we must come with a solution that addresses the threat but also adhere to these simple guidelines:

1. It should be executable by all, regardless of gender, size or strength.
2. It should be based on gross motor skills. 
3. It should use, when possible, skills that have more than one application.  Remember Hick's Law?
4. It should still work under stressful situations.

If you took this class let us know what you thought of the skills taught.
If you ever found yourself in a unique situation which you have no solution for let us know as well.

Stay safe!

BK / Masada Tactical
http://www.masadatactical.com/

Handgun caliber? What should you go for...

A member recently asked me about my opinion regarding handguns, from type to caliber.  The questions specifically asked for a comparison between Glocks and 1911 type guns.

I am posting my answer to the member here.  Feel free to share your thoughts on what you are looking for in a handgun.  If you own one, let us know what kind it is and why you chose that one.

"Anyways, to answer your questions:  You are asking the age-old dilemma of calibre.  The short answer is that there are so many factors, from the purpose of your handgun (sports, self-defense, will it be carried concealed), to its size and applications, that will determine what type and calibre you may want to carry.  For example, if I carry a back up that I want to wear on my ankle and use as a last ditch resort tool, a .380 (9mm short) is fine.  it allows for a few rounds in a small package.  If it is my primary handgun that I carry for duty, then a larger round with a larger capacity magazine is needed.

People carry 9mm because they want more rounds (up to 17 for example in a Glock 17), or they choose a 45ACP because the want the larger round (arguably more stopping power) but sacrifice how many they can carry (most single stack 45 magazines carry 7-8 rounds, exceptions do apply).  Para-Ord actually came with a double stack 45 magazine which allows to carry about 12 rounds.  By the way, the 40S&W was developed to allow officers (FBI at the time, 1990) to carry more rounds in a larger calibre, somewhat of a compromise one may say.  the 40S&W was developed to mimic the 10mm round.  Most LE agencies carry 40S&W today.

Another thing to consider is cost.  In today's economy and high price for ammunition, one must consider that when deciding on a handgun.  There is no doubt that the more common rounds will be cheaper (9, 40, 45) than the less known ones (45gap, 10mm, etc.).  and 9mm is a lot cheaper than 45CAP, so if you are planning on shooting a lot, this is definitely something to consider.

Bottom line, regardless of calibre, what matters most is shot placement.  Hit someone in the cranium and it doesn't matter what size the round was.  Israeli security forces carry 9mm short by the way.

In terms of Glock versus 1911:  this is solely a personal preference thing.  I personally don't like the way glocks feel in my hand.  I love my kimbers.  they are two different animals.  there is no doubt that straight out of the box, for the price (about $650) glocks are a great tool.  There's a reason most LE agencies use them.  Want to go a bit more expensive and you go with sigs (federal agencies use those), want to spend between $1,000-$3,000 and you get a 1911 (SF forces use these).  But price doesn't always mean better.  you should see what feels good in your hand.

Lastly, this is an issue Israel has with the Glock polymers, which may have contributed to my personal dislike, and I have not seen any documentation but was told this by my military instructors: in Israel, with the extreme changes in temperature (can be 120 degrees outside and then you walk into 65 degrees in an air conditioned room, and then out again, and so forth), glocks began to crack.  Steel doesn't crack.  I am curious if we will see similar comments coming back from Operation Enduring Freedom.

So, did this help?  We can talk more in person, just a few thoughts."

Welcome the Blog

Many asked for it, so here you go...the Official Masada Tactical Blog.

This area is for you to post and comment on anything MT related, from classes, to general self-protection questions and comments.

Let's get to it...